Vervet Monkey

These monkeys have developed what is effectively a language, with a vocabulary of different calls that can warn of different predators such as snakes and eagles.

Like many monkey species, vervets are very social, forming communicative groups of up to 50 individuals. Vervet monkeys are very vocal, and also communicate by facial gestures. These monkeys have a broad repertoire of calls, and are able to express alarm, excitement, rage and even sadness. Vervet monkeys forage in trees and occasionally on the ground. If predators are spotted, particular alarm calls are given, depending on the type of predator approaching. When vervet monkeys hear their snake alarm call, they all stand upright, scanning the surrounding grass for pythons. If they hear their leopard alarm call, they run into the trees, keeping their eyes on the leopard, and if they hear their eagle alarm call, they hide deep in the tree canopy.

Female vervet monkeys tend to remain in the groups into which they were born, whereas males are forced to leave when they become sexually mature, moving into new groups. Vervet monkeys have adapted well to living alongside people.

Male vervet monkeys possess bright blue scrotums, which are used in signals of dominance over other males in a group.

Intelligent and adaptable, these monkeys inhabit relatively open country. They may forage either on the ground or in the trees. They are common in even the suburbs of big cities. Many people welcome their presence, but others treat them as pests because they can damage property and crops. Their curiosity can lead them into trouble, however, as in the Caribbean, where they have a reputation for stealing alcoholic drinks from holiday-makers.

Distribution: Occurs in Africa, south of the Sahara. Also present in the Caribbean on Barbados and St Kitts, having been introduced there during the era of the slave trade.